Buckhannon to crack down on illegal parking

Because of concerns regarding the hazard posed by vehicles parking in the wrong direction on city streets, the city of Buckhannon will begin stricter enforcement of state code 17C-13-4.

The code states that, “Every vehicle stopped or parked upon a roadway where there are adjacent curbs shall be so stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb.” Simply put, vehicles are required to park with the flow of traffic rather than against the flow of traffic.

When a car is pointed in the wrong direction, the driver’s visibility may be impaired when pulling out of a parking space. The rear view mirrors are of no assistance in seeing oncoming traffic. This creates a danger not only for oncoming vehicles or bicycles, but also for the occupants of the parked car trying to pull into a lane of traffic without having clear visibility.

The code has always been enforced in the downtown business district, but has seldom been applied to residential areas.

The city understands that compliance with this section of the law will require residents to change their previous habits, but leaders believe such a change is justified by the danger posed by parking in this manner.